Education Building

Constructed by the Ivy Creek Foundation (ICF) in 1997, the ICF Education Building is an all-weather facility of sustainable design for day and evening use. This facility has allowed ICF to broaden the scope of its public programs, provide a year-round facility for training of volunteer school guides, and enabled the Foundation to develop programs to enhance its Field Trip program.

Availability to Outside Groups

The Education Building is available to non-profit organizations and agencies for meetings, classes, and programs with an environmental, educational, or conservational purpose.

If your organization would like to book the Education Building, please contact our staff about availability. We do request a donation to help cover our booking and cleaning costs. Suggested donations (effective September 1, 2024) are listed below. 

• Partner non-profits & agencies, uncharged meetings—$50/event
• Partner non-profits & agencies, fundraising/charged events—10% of the door
• Non-partner non-profits & agencies, uncharged meetings—$150/event
• Non-partner non-profits & agencies, fundraising/charged events—20% of the door

Please consult the RULES for using the Education Building before inquiring as to its availability.  When confronted with competing requests for specific days and times, ICF will give priority to those events and organizations which promote the interests and goals that most closely align with ICF’s mission and vision, but staff is willing to work with your organization to find alternate times.

Natural History Library

In August 2008, long-time Ivy Creek supporter Ted Scott donated his life-long collection of natural history books. Appointments can be made to explore this collection and other resources by emailing susie@ivycreekfoundation.org. 

A Model of Sustainable Architecture

Located inconspicuously behind the Quiet Observation Area, the Ivy Creek Foundation Education Building is a rustic, one-story structure capable of seating 65 people. The design includes passive solar features backed by a geothermal heating and cooling system, high performance windows, and the use of non-toxic materials. Slate used in the countertops and roof was mined locally. In addition to the oak timber frame structure, the wood paneled interior and hand made tables and cabinets represent eight different native species of wood sustainably harvested and donated by Northland Forest Products.

The building is wheelchair accessible and located off an existing paved walkway.

Design and Craftsmanship

The facility was designed by ICF president Dan Bieker who served along with Don Charlebois as general contractors for the project. Don Charlebois of Woodworks designed and hand built several features of fine craftsmanship for the building.

The Education Building was completed in August, 1997 and held its first public program to a capacity crowd.